5 with appeal: Nov. 23

Santa gives the word to turn on the lights during the Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse last year. This year, the lights go on today.

MIKE DIRKS/TIMES-NEWS

Published: Friday, November 23, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 1:19 p.m.

1. Downtown Hendersonville's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place today from 5 to 8 p.m. in front of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Ring in the holiday season with festive music, holiday lights and that Jolly Old Elf.

2. The Henderson County Curb Market will host its annual Ole Timey Christmas celebration from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. The curb market, at 221 N. Church St. in downtown Hendersonville, will offer Christmas wreaths, fresh greenery, crafts, demonstrations, music and refreshments. For information, call 828-692-8012 or visit www.curbmarket.com.

3. The eighth annual Hendersonville Messiah Sing is set for Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St. Vocalists will assemble at 2 p.m. for instructions, and the reading will last from 3 to 4 p.m. Participants must bring their own sheet music and paper clips. Admission is free; donations will go to Interfaith Assistance Ministry. Info: 828-693-3081.

5. Pardee Hospital, Pardee Hospital Foundation and the Flat Rock Playhouse are hosting their first Festival of Trees to benefit community charities. Local businesses have been invited to purchase and decorate trees to be displayed in the lobby of the Playhouse Downtown. Proceeds from a silent auction of the trees will go to benefit a charity of the sponsor's choice. The trees will be on display today through Dec. 9, and the auction winners will be announced during the Sunday matinee of "A Celtic Christmas" on Dec. 9.

<p>1. Downtown Hendersonville's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony takes place today from 5 to 8 p.m. in front of the Historic Courthouse on Main Street. Ring in the holiday season with festive music, holiday lights and that Jolly Old Elf.</p><p>2. The Henderson County Curb Market will host its annual Ole Timey Christmas celebration from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday. The curb market, at 221 N. Church St. in downtown Hendersonville, will offer Christmas wreaths, fresh greenery, crafts, demonstrations, music and refreshments. For information, call 828-692-8012 or visit www.curbmarket.com. </p><p>3. The eighth annual Hendersonville Messiah Sing is set for Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St. Vocalists will assemble at 2 p.m. for instructions, and the reading will last from 3 to 4 p.m. Participants must bring their own sheet music and paper clips. Admission is free; donations will go to Interfaith Assistance Ministry. Info: 828-693-3081.</p><p>4. Chase Brock's interpretation of "The Nutcracker" — with Appalachian influences — debuts Wednesday at Flat Rock Playhouse. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 1 and 2 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Dec. 1-2 at the Mainstage, 2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. Tickets are $40, with discounts for senior citizens and students. For information, call 828-693-0731 or 866-732-8008 or visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org. </p><p>5. Pardee Hospital, Pardee Hospital Foundation and the Flat Rock Playhouse are hosting their first Festival of Trees to benefit community charities. Local businesses have been invited to purchase and decorate trees to be displayed in the lobby of the Playhouse Downtown. Proceeds from a silent auction of the trees will go to benefit a charity of the sponsor's choice. The trees will be on display today through Dec. 9, and the auction winners will be announced during the Sunday matinee of "A Celtic Christmas" on Dec. 9.</p>